plate no. 2945

Falling leaves

oil, canvasDivisionismgenre paintingfiguresfieldskysunsettreeslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and in applying visible brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also provides practice in composing a scene with multiple figures and a landscape background.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, blending the colors to create the sunset effect.
step 03
Establish the base color of the field, using a mix of browns, yellows, and greens.
step 04
Begin adding the figures, starting with the larger ones in the foreground and working towards the background.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create the texture of the clothing and the field.
step 06
Add the details to the figures, such as the faces and hands.
step 07
Create the highlights and shadows to give the figures form.
step 08
Refine the details of the landscape, such as the trees and the distant buildings.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · raw sienna · violet

Achieve the warm browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of red. Create the sky colors by blending blues, pinks, and yellows. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights.

techniques

·divisionism
·broken color
·dry brush
·scumbling
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overblending the colors, which can result in a muddy effect.
→Making the figures too detailed, which can distract from the overall impression.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough, which can make the painting look flat.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt umber, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red, raw sienna)
·assorted brushes (round and flat, various sizes)
·palette
·linseed oil
·turpentine or mineral spirits
·palette knife